Aluminum fence system

ABSTRACT

The fence system attaches to an aluminum or steel rectangular base post in concrete or the ground. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Three sides of the fence column has an elongated slot which receives one end of a slat. The fence system also has a gate of the same style as the rest of the fence. A lockset housing replaces one fence column. The lockset&#39;s latch projects from the other side. A hollow post has a slot facing the latch when the gate is closed. A latch cover is held by the slot, and an extension of the latch cover extends along the lockset housing to block surreptitious opening the gate. Clips may secure transparent, translucent, or opaque panels from the top, bottom, and sides.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This patent claims priority from provisional patent application63/296,126, filed Jan. 3, 2022, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM and is acontinuation-in-part of non-provisional patent application Ser. No.17/898,315, filed Aug. 29, 2022, entitled ALUMINUM FENCE SYSTEM, inorder to add paragraphs, figures, and new claims corresponding to newsubject matter.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may showand/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner.The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure relates to fencing systems and gates.

Description of the Related Art

Many types of residential and commercial fencing exist. One type ispre-cut wooden fence posts with and panels or slats. Installers usingthose systems may purchase a desired number of posts, sink them withconcrete, attach them with crossbars, and nail the slats to thecrossbars. These fences have a more rustic, rough-cut feel that somefind unattractive for certain applications.

Wrought iron fencing is also common. It usually is sold in panels, butto fit in the perimeter of a property or yard, panels must be cut todesired lengths with an acetylene torch. Wrought iron also is heavy,about 0.28 lb./in.³ though most components of wrought iron fencing arehollow and the pickets are spaced. Wrought iron fencing requires strongmetal or brick posts to support them. Gates for wrought iron fencingusually are custom made and sized using a welder. Wrought iron becomesexpensive because of the labor costs for a welder, the expense of sturdyposts, and the material and shipping cost of using iron. Wrought ironalso is subject to rust and corrosion and needs regular paintingespecially in damp or rainy climates.

Chain link fence is widely available and inexpensive. It comes in rolls,and may be installed using standard posts and fittings. Many find chainlink fencing unattractive, particularly for higher-end homes, and itoften degrades and looks worse over time as fittings loosen, sectionssag, and the bottom may become spaced from the ground.

One fencing solution for modern-style homes is fine-cut redwood or cedarfencing. The slats typically are installed horizontally between verticalposts, but the slats can be installed vertically. The slats may bearranged with wider slats and smaller slats interspersed with oneanother for aesthetic purposes. The support structure's posts usuallyare redwood or cedar, but they it may be metal. The posts typically aresunk in concrete or fixed to existing concrete or structures. Thesefences can be attractive especially for modern homes, but they are laborintensive. To appear appropriately, the slats must be cut precisely.Fine-cut, pre-sanded, and fine-grained redwood or cedar which aretypically used is costly, three to five times the price of rough-cutfence slats. Though redwood and cedar resist weathering better thanother wood, rain, snow, ice, and sunlight can still cause degradation socomponents must be replaced or at least periodically re-sanded andstained or painted.

Steel-based systems are said to mimic the shape and clean lines providedby the fine-cut redwood and cedar fences, but working with steel can bedifficult. Steel must be cut with an acetylene torch, and a welderusually must attach the slats to steel posts and cross members. Steelslats may be painted and are strong but they can be heavy, difficult toinstall, and welding each member takes time and money for a professionalwelder.

Vinyl fencing systems exist. The vinyl fencing is easy to cut, simple toinstall, uninform in color (usually white), lightweight, and relativelyaesthetically pleasing. However, vinyl stands up to heat quite poorly.The slats sag or fall out and usually must be screwed to a cross memberor post. The connections between slats and posts often are visible. Theslats themselves cannot be used alone for support because the vinyl isnot sufficiently strong and rigid. So, support members are oftenincluded and spacing between posts must generally be closer than withmetal-based systems.

SUMMARY

Most components shown herein are made from powder-coated aluminum.Aluminum is lightweight, less than 0.1 lb./in.³ (2.8 g/cm³),substantially less than iron or steel. The light weight allows thepersons constructing the fence system to move the aluminum componentseasily. Shipping is likewise less expensive. The powder coat oranodization can come in many colors and designs. The components here arehollow so any comparison with other material such as wrought iron mustaccount for parts being hollow. For the thicknesses applicant uses, thecomponents can be cut using a conventional electric miter saw and remainstrong enough to be placed without additional non-aluminum support.

The principal components are extruded 6063 alloy powder-coated aluminum.Anodized aluminum is another choice, but powder coating allows for morecolors and designs. Several components including a fence column have acomplex cross-section for which forming by extrusion is ideal, and the6063 alloy is a suitable choice for extrusions though other alloys alsomay be suitable.

The fence system attaches to aluminum or steel rectangular base poststhat attaches to a fence column. The inside wall of a fence column fitsover the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around theinside wall. Each of three side of the fence column has a slot wideenough to accommodate one end of the slats. A bracket attaches the endof the slat to the fence column to secure the slats in place and providerigidity to the entire structure. Additional slats may be added adjacentto the slat above or below, and spacers may leave space between theslats. The slats may be the same height, or their heights can vary foraesthetic purposes. All slots have grooves so empty slots can receive aslot cover, and areas between spaced slats can receive covers sized tofit in the space between slats. The slot covers likewise provide uniformspacing between the slats and an overall aesthetic, clean appearance.

A plate covers the open end on top of the fence column, andself-drilling screws extend through apertures in the plate and securethe plate to the fence column's open end. Other plate covers attach toother open ends of fence columns or similar members used for other thana fence column. An adhesive secures a post cap to the top of the fencecolumn and the plate.

The fence system also includes a gate, which may have two intersectingmembers: fence column (vertical) and platform (horizontal). The platformis at the bottom of the gate, and structure like the platform may be atthe gate's top. The fence column and platforms may have the sameextruded shape. A short post secures the fence column and platformtogether.

The horizontal platform is positioned with a slot open upward and a slotopen downward. A bolt extends through a hole in the platform to athreated opening in a short post within the fence column to secure thefence column to the platform.

An L-brace though the centers of the horizontal platform and thevertical fence columns could secure them together. To cover theintersection of the L-brace's horizontal and vertical sections, theadjacent ends horizontal platform and vertical fence column are cut at a45° angle so they intersect at a right angle and cover the L-brace.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of applicant's fence surrounding abuilding.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

FIG. 2C is an exploded view of parts of a fence.

FIG. 2D is a sectional front view of a fence through plane 2D-2D in FIG.2C.

FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of a fence.

FIG. 4-7 are front views of different slat arrangements of the fence.

FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of a component of a fence used as partof a gate.

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of components of a fence used as part ofa gate.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view the door structure of a fence.

FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view of a section of a fence with a thinnerslat like a glass slat.

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view showing a connection betweentwo fence columns connected at right angles to each other.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view with the two fence columns connected atright angles to each other

FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view of structure for a fence through plane14-14 of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is front view of a top corner of a fence with an internalbracket.

FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view of a portion of a fence with a windowframed within.

FIG. 17 is a cross section of an upper or lower window frame.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a window pane mount for the fence or gate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview: A fence system 2 surrounds or partially surrounds property 4(FIG. 1 ). The fence system's fence column 20 attaches to steel or othermetal square, rectangle, or polygon base post 10 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11). Those figures also show the structure of fence column. Having a basepost with the same shape as the base post prevents or limits pivoting ofthe fence column about the base post. The base post could be round, butthat would require a different inside shape of fence column 20, but around-to-round connection may allow the fence column to pivot about thebase post. Though the specification uses “rectangle,” the wordencompasses the other shapes. But the drawing show a square or nearlysquare base with rounded internal and external corners. The gate 190 isshown as fully framed, unlike the surrounding fence portions, but thegate 190 may be fully framed or the slats may be mounted directly intoan upright fence post and/or specialized fence post on two sides whichform the entirety of the gate frame, when joined with any interiorslats.

Base post 10 can attach to concrete, deck, soil, or to the top of abrick, block, or concrete wall. The base post may be painted or treatedto resist corrosion or rust. Base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A-D attaches toconcrete or a deck 2. The base post in the figures is 1.25 in. (3.175cm)×1.25 in., but opposite walls may be elongated slightly. Conversionsbetween English and metric are approximated. The base post may haveouter flange 12 with screw openings 14 (FIGS. 2, 2A, 2D). Bolts (notshown) secure the flange to concrete. The bolts may extend upward fromthe concrete when the concrete is poured. Then nuts secure the flange tothe bolt and concrete.

Cover 16 slides over the base post. The inside wall of a fence columnslides over the base post (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D). The cover hides the outerflange and bolts for a pleasing appearance.

To mount the base post on soil, an 18 in. to 24 in. (46 cm to 61 cm)hole is dug. After concrete is poured into the hole, the base post ispushed into the soft concrete and plumbed to be vertical. Whether baseposts 10 are in concrete or soil, the base posts are aimed to accountfor the path of the fence system.

Connection of slats to fence column: Fence slats 100 extend betweenfence columns 20 around property 4 (FIG. 1 ). The fence column (FIG. 3and others) has a base post receiver, inside wall 22, around base post10. The inside wall has four sides 24, 26, 28, and 30 (FIG. 3 ).Adjacent inside walls meet at a 3.4 mm (0.13 in.) outside radius. Theinside spacing between walls 24 and 28 is 33 mm (1.3 in.), and theinside dimension between walls 26 and 30 is 34 mm (1.3 in.). Inside wall22 is almost square to fit with the base post 10. The thickness of thealuminum components may vary, but it typically is 1.78 mm (0.07 in.).

Screws, other fasteners (not shown) or an adhesive may secure the basepost to the inside wall, but friction may suffice. See also projections34 on inside wall 36 of the other fence column 32 (FIG. 3 ). Thoseprojections are small enough to allow the base post to pass into theinside wall but the productions deform when the base post is inserted ininside wall 36 to push against the base post and hold the base postwithin the inside wall. Fence column 32 on the right side of FIG. 3 doesnot show a base post within inside wall 36.

Fence column 20 also has outside tubular member 40 attached to andspaced outside of inside wall 22 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3, 11 ). Because fencecolumn 20 is extruded, “attached” in the context of the fence columnmeans components are in contact or in such near contact that thealuminum maintains the components' positions with each other. Theoutside tubular member includes base member 42 with first and secondends 44 and 46 (left side of FIG. 3 ). The distance between the ends isgreater than the length of inside wall 30 (FIG. 3 ). The base member'swidth may be 70 mm (2.8 in.) versus 33 mm (1.3 in.) for inside wall 22.End walls 50 and 52 continue from end 44 and 46 and then continue assidewalls 56 and 58 to intersect fourth and first inside walls 30 and 24(FIG. 3 ).

Three-sided pillars 60 and 62 extend outward near corners 64 and 66 ofinside wall 22 (FIG. 3 ). Open-ended gaps like gap 76 are at the outsidecorners of pillars 60 and 62. Depending on the location of the end offence column 20, the gaps receive self-drilling screws 156 for holdingcover plate 48 at the top of fence column 20 (FIG. 2 ). Gaps 78 and 80on the ends of outside tubular member 40 perform a similar function.Silicone or other adhesive attaches pyramid cover 54 above cover 48(FIG. 2 ) to keep water, debris, and insects out of fence columns 20.Cover 48 and pyramid cover 54 may be attached to exposed ends duringconstruction to keep rain or dirt outside the fence column 20 or otherappropriate components.

The sizes and positions of outside tubular member 40 and three-sidedpillars 60 and 62 create three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2, 2A-2D, 3 ).The slots are sized to receive one end of one or more elongated slatssuch as slat 100 received in slot 94 (FIG. 2D, 3, 9, 10 ). The slots'width dimension are wide enough to accommodate one end of a slat likeslat 100. Additional slats may contact the slat below, or the slats maybe spaced from adjacent slats.

Slats 100 may be powder-coated aluminum, which can be cut to length withan electric miter saw. Each slat's width may be 20.6 mm (0.8 in.). Theheight of each slat may be 140 mm (5.5 in.), 50 mm (2 in.) or anotherheight. The slats in the drawings are rectangular in cross-section and aheight 102 that may exceed its width 104 (FIG. 2B).

Stainless steel, L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114 and their associatedstainless steel, self-driving screws 116 and 118 through wall 26 secureslat 100 to wall 26 at the inside end of slot 94 (FIGS. 2, 2B, 2D).Stainless steel screws work well securing parts like the L-shapedfasteners into the aluminum slats and fence column 20.

Each sidewall of slots 90, 92, and 94 has opposing grooves 130, 132,134, 136, 138, and 140 (FIGS. 2, 2A-D, and 3) formed during extrusion.Slot covers such as covers 142 and 144 cover unused slots in the fencemember (FIGS. 2B, 3 ). Each slot cover has an outside wall 146 and twosides 148 and 150, each with a distal shoulder 152 and 154. The distalshoulders are sized to fit in their respective groove like groove 130(FIGS. 2, 2A-2C, 3 ). When the distal shoulders at the bottom of theslot cover are inserted into the grooves of a slot, the slot cover canbe glided through its grooves to cover its empty slot. Though thestructure uses grooves in the slots for the slot covers, when the slotcover reaches its final position, they may be fastened with an adhesiveor in other ways at their positions in the slots.

The slats extend from one fence column 20 to adjacent fence column 32(FIG. 3 ). With the three slots 90, 92 and 94 (FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 ), thefence system is not limited to a straight line. In FIG. 3 , for example,slat 100 extends from slot 90 of fence column 20 into slot 170 of fencecolumn 32. Another slat, 98 extends from slot 186 in the same generaldirection as slat 100. Slat 98 also could extend from slot 188 at aright angle to slat 100. Turning fence column 32 180° extends slot 188in the opposite right angle in FIG. 3 .

Increasing the slots' widths slightly may allow changing the angles thatthe slats, e.g., 98 and 100, project from fence column 20 so the fencecan accommodate irregular property shapes. Angled slats still aresecured by screws through L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118.

Slats' Positioning: FIGS. 4 through 7 show four of many possible slatarrangements. FIG. 4 has 140 mm slats 96 in which the bottom of one slatrests on the top of the adjacent slat. From a distance, the arrangementmay appear solid. A similar arrangement could have 140 mm slat 100, 50mm slat 106 or another height slat or a mixture of them stacked aboveeach other.

Slats 100 in FIG. 5 are about 140 mm high and are spaced apart about 140mm apart. The 140 mm slats 106 in FIG. 6 are spaced apart farther thanthose in FIG. 5 , and the 50 mm slats in FIG. 7 are spaced about 50 mmapart. Note the slats in FIGS. 5 and 7 and the single slat in FIG. 4 arealigned with the top and bottom of the fence columns 20 and 21, but thetop and bottom slats in FIG. 6 are spaced from the top of the fencecolumns. FIGS. 5 through 7 only use slats of one width. Slats of twodifferent widths and even three or more widths can be used.

L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118 secure slats to fence columns 20 in fencesystem with spacing between the slats, (FIG. 2 ). That spacing couldleave parts of slot 94, the L-shaped fasteners 110 and 114, and screws116 and 118 visible and exposed. Spacers 158 (FIGS. 2, 2C) can coverthose parts of the otherwise open slot. Spacers have the same shape asslot covers 142 and 144. After one slat 100 is secured in place, spacer158 is slid through grooves like groove 130 and 134 until it contactsthe slat. Then another slat is slid through the slot and secured to wall26. The process continues until the top slat is secured to its position.

A window of transparent material like glass or plastic 162 may replaceone or more aluminum slats (FIG. 11 ) reliant upon a slot cover of adifferent form. The transparent material allows light to shine through,and the resident and guests can see out. The window also could befrosted or translucent to allow light to pass through it.

Here, the glass window 162 extends between fence columns 20 and 32 intoslots 90 and 170 (FIG. 11 ) much as in FIG. 3 . However, the window maybe thinner than applicant's aluminum slats, and it may be taller orshorter than any slat. Clip 164 secures the window in the slot. The cliphas a U-shaped portion 166, which is the width of the glass piece. FIG.11 shows how the window fits in the U-shaped portion. Side projections168 and 176 may project out from the U-shaped section to about the widthof the slot, and distal projections 172 and 178 fit into the slot.Distal shoulders 176 and 180 project outward from wall 172 and 178 intoslot grooves 182 and 184 to position clip 164.

Alternatively, the clips 164 and 168 may take the form of a U-shapeddevice fully filling the entirety of the slots 90 and 170 with orwithout engaging grooves 182 and 184. See FIG. 16 . In such a case, thewindow 162 may be fully-framed (FIG. 17 ) by such clip 164 and 168. Theclip may project outward from the edges of the columns 20 and 32 suchthat the clips 164 and 168 appear to fully frame the window 162. SeeFIG. 17 . Silicone or rubber gaskets may be used to secure and frame thewindow 162 within the clips 164 and 168. When mounting the window 162,it may be fully framed or only framed on two sides.

Gates: The fence system can include sliding or pivoting door-like gatessuch as pivoting gate 190 (FIG. 1 ). Because gates slide, roll or pivot,they don't attach to concrete, deck or soil. Gates, especially slidingand rolling ones, may be wider than the spacing of conventional fencesections like those in FIG. 1 , so stronger, more rigid tops and bottomsmay be desirable.

The gate may rely upon only two upright members, one on either side ofthe gate, with the slats forming the frame of the horizontal portion ofthe gate since the slats themselves are structural and generally made ofrigid material such as aluminum. In such a case, the slats operate inmuch the same way as the fence post and slat combinations. Except, inthe case of a gate, the two fenceposts on either side of the gate arenot connected to the ground, but instead are joined to two adjacentfixed, fenceposts on either side, one mounted on hinges, the otherconnected or adjacent and including a latch and catch. Thisconfiguration is preferable as both easier to manufacture on site whenconstructing the fence and having fewer parts.

In such a case, one of the fenceposts making up the gate, particularlythe one nearest the latch, may be of a unique shape (FIGS. 8-10 ) whichis of a shape designed to have mounted thereon a conventional lockset.The use of the word “conventional” here is important meaning atraditional United States lockset with a mounting position and size ofapproximately 2 and ⅛^(th) inches in diameter. There have existedlocksets made for use with thin gate and fence frames that are uniquelymanufactured and, typically, thin. These are ordinarily on the order of1 inch in width and designed for very narrow use. They operateadequately, but are expensive, cannot be keyed to the same key as thehome around which the gate is located, and are more difficult to find indifferent styles than a traditional, conventional lockset. So, as usedherein the phrase “conventional lockset” means one having a lock bore of2 and ⅛ inches and the lockset housing 232 (FIG. 10 ) discussed below isof a sufficient width to accommodate a “conventional lockset” as definedherein.

Alternatively, the gate may have two intersecting members: fence columns192 (vertical) and platform 194 (horizontal) (FIGS. 12-13 ). Both mayhave the same shape as fence column 20 (FIG. 3 ). Using the same fencecolumns allows builders to keep one component in inventory for bothlocations, but different dimensioned fence columns could be used.Applicant uses horizontal platform 194 at the bottom of gates (FIGS.12-13 ), but the horizontal platform also can be used on fence sectionsthat are not gates.

Vertical fence column 192 extends upward from horizontal platform 194.See FIGS. 12-15 . The horizontal platform becomes a base with its bottomaligned with and at a right angle to the vertical fence column. Insteadof a base post attached to the ground like base post 10 in FIGS. 2, 2A,2D, and 3 , applicant uses a short post 196 secured to vertical fencecolumns 192 and to horizontal platform 194 (FIGS. 12, 14 ). Thosefigures show one short post, but a gate usually has at least two shortposts at opposite sides of the gate. Longer gates also may have one ormore intermediated, spaced-apart, short posts to improve support.

Short post 196 may be hollow and have the same outer dimensions as basepost 10 (FIG. 3 and others). The short post may be coated carbon steelor stainless steel to withstand corrosion. Instead of using bolt 210 andnut 204, the bottom end 208 of the short post may be welded shut, andthe end would have a threaded opening 200 for receiving a modified boltlike bolt 202 (FIGS. 12 and 14 ). A drilled hole (not numbered) extendsthrough inside walls 214 and 216 of the horizontal platform and throughthe bottom wall 198 if short post 196 (FIG. 14 ).

To install the short post, horizontal platform 194 is positioned withslot 210 open upward and slot 212 open downward (FIGS. 12-14 ). Bolt 202fits through the holes and engages threaded opening 200 to connect tothe short post. FIG. 14 shows nut 204 secured to the end of the bolt,but a nut may be unnecessary when opening 200 and bolt 202 have commonthreads to be secured to each other. If a nut is used, a locking washer(not shown) between head 206 of the bolt and the horizontal platform 194also could secure the bolt.

Until components are aligned, having the bolt remain loose may beadvantageous. Smaller screws 218 (FIGS. 12, 14 ) may be threaded throughthe slots into preexisting, threaded openings 212 in post 196 forsecuring the post to its fence column. Inserting those screws also mayawait aligning the components.

For a wide gate, one or two additional short posts like short post 196may mount at spaced-apart locations between the ends of the gate. Theseshort posts support a fence column with slots extending to the sides forreceiving slats with the layout of the layout used between fencecolumns.

Rolling gates have wheels facing downward from the bottom fence column.The wheels may travel over a metal track attached to concrete under thegate. The support for the wheel attaches to a bolt through the bottomfence column (not shown).

During assembly, slot covers like cover 142 and 144 (FIGS. 2B and 3 )are slid into place. Then the slats like slats 100 and 106 are insertedin the slots of vertical post column 192 attached by an L-shapedfastener like fastener 110. The first inserted slat may mount in slot200 of vertical fence column 194, or using fasteners, the first insertedslat may be spaced from horizontal platform 194.

To make the gate more rigid, a similar arrangement of the horizontal andvertical fence columns may mount on the top to the gate after the slatsare positioned between the vertical fence columns.

An alternate arrangement for a fence section uses an L-brace 224 (FIG.15 ) to secure vertical fence column 192 and horizontal platform 222 atthe top of the fence section. The L-brace may be steel for strength andmay be formed from one square, hollow crosspiece with outside dimensionsthe same as or like short post 10's dimensions. The steel may be treatedor painted for rust and corrosion prevention. The L-brace is cut to adesired length at a 45° angle, and one piece is rotated 180°. The45°-angle ends are welded together to form the L-brace's horizontalsection 226 and vertical section 224.

The free end 226 of L-brace 220 extends into a center section ofhorizontal platform 228, and the L-brace's vertical section 228 extendsinto the center section of vertical fence column 232. FIG. 15 showsneither center section, but they are formed from an inside wall likewall 22 in FIG. 3 . Screws (not shown) through the slots of the fencecolumn and platform into the L-brace secure the fence columns to theL-brace. Because the L-brace is steel, the bracket's holes may bepredrilled and tapped.

To cover the region near the intersection of L-brace 224's horizontalsection 226 and vertical section 224, the adjacent ends 292 and 294 ofthe horizontal platform and vertical fence columns are cut at a 45°angle so they intersect to form a right angle. Self-drilling screws mayextend through the fence columns into predrilled holds in L-brace 224after ends 292 and 294 are brought together tightly.

For swing gates, a fence column like fence column 20 mounts verticallyon a base post like post 10, attaches to another stationary fencecolumn, or attaches to a concrete, block, stucco, wood, or brick wall.One or more hinges (not shown) attach the fence column that pivots withthe gate to the stationary object.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show components for the side of the swinging gatethat swings open and close. Lockset housing 232 replaces fence column 20from other figures. It has two elongated sides 234 and 236. The rightend (FIGS. 8 and 9 ) forms a slot 238 that receives slats 240. The slatsare stacked like they are in other sections of the fence. These slatsmay be held in place by L-shaped fasteners (not shown) like fastener 110and 118 in FIG. 2B. Self-drilling screws (not shown) also may extendthrough walls 240 and 242 near the right end of the lockset housing 232into the slats. See FIG. 9 .

Lockset housing 232 receives a lockset, which includes doorknobs 246 and248 (FIG. 9 ). The doorknobs extend through drilled holes (not shown)through elongated walls 232 and 234. The drilled holes are typicallyabout 3.5 ft. (1.1 m) above the ground. The doorknobs attach to otherlockset structure based on instructions often included with purchasedlocksets.

Parts of the lockset extend from the doorknobs to a conventionalmechanism 250 inside lockset housing 232. Rotating a doorknob causes themechanism to move latch assembly 252 to the right (FIG. 9 ) to withdrawlatch bolt 254 (FIG. 10 ). Releasing the doorknobs in the otherdirection allows the bolt to move outward as FIG. 10 shows. Because thelockset is conventional, and the installer can choose among differentlocksets, the installer uses components for the chosen lockset. Thelockset latch may include a deadlatch plunger to block that may preventan intruder from using a screwdriver, credit card or other flat deviceto push the latch inward to open the gate.

Instead of or in addition to latch 254, the gate may have a deadboltlock (not shown) as part of the lockset. Applicant also could use a lockfor sliding gates such as a sliding gate lock from Locinox USA. Thelockset may use electronics for opening the latch through fingerprintrecognition, a numeric combination, or remote through wi-fi or otherwireless network protocols.

Post 260 specifically designed for the gate (FIGS. 9 and 10 ) may beextruded aluminum. Its back wall 262 may attach to a building wall toanother fence column like fence column 20. It also may be attached tothe ground though a post. Slot 268 in post 260 has gaps 264 at theinside corners the receive screws for attaching a cover. Post 260'sfront wall 266 receives slot cover 270 in grooves 272 and 274 (FIG. 9 ),and opening 268 in the slot cover receives latch 254 when the gate ispivoted closed. Front wall 266 includes extension 276 that extends ashort distance along elongated wall 236 (FIG. 9 ). The extension blocksintruders from reaching latch 252 to force the gate open. Extension 276should face outward from the property, and the gate opens in toward theopposite direction. See FIG. 10 .

Narrow walls 242 and 244 at the right side of elongated walls 234 and236 (FIG. 9 ) have grooves 280 and 282 for receiving slot covers (notshown) or slats so that the post 260 may be used without any otherposts, interior frame, or horizontal posts along with a plurality ofslats and may still self-support and self-frame while providingsufficient space to mount a conventional lockset on the lockset housing232. Those covers may be sized to align with the outside surface ofelongated walls 234 and 236. Other grooves 284 and 286 also may receivespacers like spacers 158 (FIG. 2 ) between slats.

Grooves like groove 130 (FIG. 2 ) inside the three fence column's slotslike slot 90 run the length of the fence column. Slot covers may slideinto those grooves to create a near-uniform flat face for the side withthe slot cover.

Having no visible slots makes the fence column smooth and aestheticallypleasing. When slats are installed in a slot, the slot cover hide theslats' open ends and any rough edges made while cutting the aluminum.

Locating the slots along the fence columns' three sides enables thefence columns to be used for straight fence sections and for cornersturning “left” or “right” along a fence row. The final side of the fencecolumn, base wall 42, has no groove because that side needs no panelsinstalled to that side.

returning to FIG. 16 , an embodiment of the present system that enclosestransparent, translucent, or opaque window 162 is shown. Thoughdiscussed as a window herein, other substantially flat panels could beused (e.g. flat sheet of metal, a wooden panel or slats, a plexiglass orplastic panel, and similar materials). Window 162 is held between clips164 at either side. Clips 300 enclose window 162 at the top and bottomof those panels. Clips 300 can be inserted into slot 90, 92, 94 or 170in the same manner as are slats 100. In some embodiments, rubber backingor silicone caulk may be used between windows 162 and clips 300 toprevent vibration of the window 162 within the clips 300.

FIG. 17 discloses a cross section of an upper or lower window frame 350.The upper or lower window frame 350 includes no clips and instead is afully-formed enclosure (in cross section) so that it may be mountedseparately from the upright fence posts (or any horizontal fence posts)and may have a flush and aesthetic exterior appearance. There is anupper U-groove 352, and the sides 354 and bottom 356 fully enclose aninterior portion (not labeled). The frame 350 is of a width that it maybe mounted so that its two ends fit within a slot in an upright fencepost, fully enclosing a window when combined with the clips 300 shown inFIG. 16 .

Turning next to FIG. 18 , a side view of the panel 162 framed withinclips 164 and 300. Clip 300 is the same width as slots 90, 92, 94, and170 so that clip 300 may fit into those slots. However, clip 300 doesnot have slot grooves 184. This allows clip 300 to fit within slots 90,92, 94, and 170 perpendicular to clips 164. Clip 300 is the same asupper or lower window frame 350 and has a U-shaped portion 352, which isthe width of the window 162. The window 162 fits in the U-shaped portion352 of clip 300 in the same manner as it fits into the U-shaped portionof clip 164. In some embodiments, rubber backing or silicon caulk may beused between windows 162 and U-shaped portion 352 to prevent vibrationof the window 162 within the clips 164 and 300. This configuration shownin FIG. 17 could be used with a fixed fence post set or could form apart of a gate.

However, clip 300 encloses the top and bottom of the panel 162,therefore, clip 300 does not contain any distal shoulders to engage withslot grooves.

Clip 300 can slide into slots 90, 92, 94, or 170 adjacent to (that is,below, on top of, or in between) clips 164. There, clips 300 may be heldin place using L-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Alternatively, clips 300and 164 may be cut at 45°-angles and joined together, similar to the wayL-brace sections 226 and 224, or ends 292 and 294 of the horizontalplatform and vertical fence column, are joined together. Neither optionrequires welding of the aluminum.

Though the window 162 is shown as a single pane, the window 162 may infact be multiple panes in much the same manner that the slats may beplaced at various places along a given upright post. Individual panesmay be separated using covers 142 and 144 and may be held in place withL-shaped fasteners 110 and 118. Such clips 300 for use on bottom and topto fully-frame the window 162 may not include distal shoulders so thatsuch shoulders do not extend outward from the frame. Instead, such clips300 may be fully flush on their exterior, providing only a frame aroundthe window 162. And, the slats and windows 162 may be interspersed oralternated in a given gate (e.g. with a window portion near the top,slats from the ground to waist height). With the clip 300 operating as aseparator, fully framing the window 162 within the gate or fence portionand the slats acting to support the gate or fence portion as describedabove.

Clips 300 may be oriented with their U-shaped portion 352 pointing up ordown to enclose the bottom or top of a panel 162, respectively. Twoclips 300 can be oriented abutting each other, but with their U-shapedportions 352 oriented in opposite directions, in order to put twowindows 162 between columns 32 and 20 without leaving a gap between theclips 300. The clips 300 may be fixed together to help maintain theirposition and improve strength. Alternatively, two clips 300 can beoriented with space in between them, with their U-shaped portions 352oriented in opposite directions, in order to put a gap between the twowindows 162 and their respective clips 300. Other numbers of windows 162and clips 300 may be arranged to place additional windows 162 (or slats)between columns 32 and 20, with or without spaces between the windows162 and their respective clips 300. The description is illustrative, notlimiting and is for example only. Although this application shows anddescribes examples, those having ordinary skill in the art will find itapparent they can make changes, modifications or alterations. Examplesmay involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, butthose acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to achievethe same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only with oneembodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in otherembodiments.

“Plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or moreof such items. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,”“having,” “containing,” “involving,” and similar words in the writtendescription or the claims are open-ended, i.e., each means, “includingbut not limited to.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and“consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitionalphrases regarding claims. The ordinal terms like “first,” “second,”“third,” etc., in the claims don't by themselves connote any priority,precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporalorder in which acts of a method are performed. Instead, they merely arelabels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name fromanother element having a same name (but for the ordinal term's use).Alternatives like “or” include one or any combination of the listeditems. “Applicant” means the assignee of this application at the time offiling.

It is claimed:
 1. A fence system comprising: a first upright fencecolumn, formed of a single piece, the first upright fence column havingan inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall aroundthe inside wall; the first upright fence column including at least oneslot extending the length of the first upright fence column from theinside wall toward the outside wall, the at least one slot havinggrooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distalshoulders of an extension; the extension having a length and a heightextending from the inside wall through the length of the slot, distalshoulders to engage the grooves, and a U-shaped opening adapted toreceive a flat panel; a horizontal clip extending away from the firstupright fence column, the horizontal clip having a width sized to bereceived in the at least one slot, the horizontal clip having a U-shapedopening adapted to receive a flat panel.
 2. The fence system of claim 1wherein the extension and horizontal clip are cut at 45°-angles andfastened to the first upright fence column.
 3. The fence system of claim2 wherein the horizontal clip is held in place adjacent to the extensionusing L-shaped fasteners.
 4. The fence system of claim 1 wherein thepanel is composed of plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal composite,glass, glass composite, wood, wood composite, or a composite of any ofthem.
 5. The fence system of claim 1 further comprising a second uprightfence column and a second extension; the second upright fence columnformed of a single piece, the second upright fence column having aninside wall sized to receive a base post and an outside wall around theinside wall; the second upright fence column including a second at leastone slot extending the length of the second upright fence column fromthe inside wall toward the outside wall, the second at least one slothaving grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distalshoulders of an extension; the second extension having a length and aheight extending from the inside wall through the length of the slot ofthe second upright column, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, and aU-shaped opening adapted to receive a flat panel; and wherein thehorizontal clip extends to the second upright fence column.
 6. The fencesystem of claim 5 further comprising a second horizontal clip; thesecond extension being slotted into the at least one slot of the firstcolumn, the second extension being slotted into the second at least oneslot of the second column, the horizontal clip extending from the atleast one slot of the first column to the second at least one slot ofthe second column and having its U-shaped portion opening upward; thepanel being slotted into the extension, second extension, and horizontalclip; and the second horizontal clip extending from the at least oneslot of the first column to the second at least one slot of the secondcolumn and having its U-shaped portion opening downward and slotted overthe panel.
 7. The fence system of claim 6 further comprising a secondpanel, third horizontal clip, and fourth horizontal clip; the thirdhorizontal clip above the second horizontal clip and extending from theat least one slot of the first column to the second at least one slot ofthe second column and having its U-shaped portion opening upward; thesecond panel being slotted into the extension, second extension, andthird horizontal clip; and the fourth horizontal clip extending from theat least one slot of the first column to the at least one slot of thesecond column and having its U-shaped portion opening downward andslotted over the second panel.
 8. The fence system of claim 5 whereinthe second upright fence column incorporates at least two elongatedsidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventional lockset. 9.The fence system of claim 8 further comprising a stationary uprightfence column formed of a single piece, the stationary upright fencecolumn having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outsidewall around the inside wall; the stationary upright fence columnincluding at least one slot extending the length of the stationaryupright fence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, theat least one slot having grooves along either side, each groove adaptedto receive distal shoulders of a latch strike plate; a latch strikeplate having a length and a height extending from the inside wallthrough the length of the slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves,a latch opening positioned to receive a latch from a conventionallockset, and a strike extension extending the length of the latch strikeplate for engaging the outside wall of the second upright column whenthe gate is closed.
 10. The fence system of claim 9 wherein the secondupright fence column has at least one cutout in the outside wall for atleast one lock faceplate positioned to insert a latch from aconventional lockset into the latch opening of the latch strike plate.11. A fence system comprising: a first upright fence column, formed of asingle piece, the first upright fence column having an inside wall sizedto receive a base post and an outside wall around the inside wall; thefirst upright fence column including a first slot extending the lengthof the first upright fence column from the inside wall toward theoutside wall, the first slot having grooves along either side, eachgroove adapted to receive distal shoulders of a first extension; thefirst extension extending from the inside wall through the length of thefirst slot; a second upright fence column, formed of a single piece, thesecond upright fence column having a hollow cross-section, andincorporating a second slot extending the length of the second uprightfence column; a second extension extending the length of the secondupright fence column within the second slot; and a panel extendingbetween the first upright fence column and the second upright fencecolumn, fixed at either side within the first and second extensionswithin the first and second slot.
 12. The fence system of claim 11further comprising a pair of horizontal clips, the pair of horizontalclips extending between the first upright fence column and secondupright fence column, the pair of horizontal clips having a width sizedto be received in the first and second slots of the first and secondupright fence columns, the pair of horizontal clips having a U-shapedopening adapted to receive a panel; and the panel fixed within theU-shaped openings of the pair of horizontal clips.
 13. The fence systemof claim 12 wherein the first and second extensions and the pair ofhorizontal clips are joined together to form a rectangular shapesurrounding the panel.
 14. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the pairof horizontal clips are held in place adjacent to the opposed clipsusing L-shaped fasteners.
 15. The fence system of claim 12 wherein thepanel is composed of plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal composite,glass, glass composite, wood, wood composite, or a composite of any ofthem.
 16. The fence system of claim 12, further comprising a secondpanel and second pair of horizontal clips; the second panel fixedbetween the first and second extensions; and the second paneladditionally fixed in the U-shaped openings of the second pair ofhorizontal clips.
 17. The fence system of claim 12 wherein the firstupright fence column and the second upright fence column form a gate andthe second upright fence column incorporates at least two elongatedsidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventional lockset. 18.The fence system of claim 17 further comprising a stationary uprightfence column formed of a single piece, the stationary upright fencecolumn having an inside wall sized to receive a base post and an outsidewall around the inside wall; the stationary upright fence columnincluding a third slot extending the length of the stationary uprightfence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the thirdslot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receivedistal shoulders of a latch strike plate; a latch strike plate having alength and a height extending from the inside wall through the length ofthe slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, a latch openingpositioned to receive a latch from a conventional lockset, and a strikeextension extending the length of the latch strike plate for engagingthe outside wall of the second upright column when the gate is closed.19. The fence system of claim 18 wherein the second upright fence columnhas at least one cutout in the outside wall for at least one lockfaceplate positioned to insert a latch from a conventional lockset intothe latch opening of the latch strike plate.
 20. A fence systemcomprising: a first upright fence column, formed of a single piece, thefirst upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive a basepost and an outside wall around the inside wall; the first upright fencecolumn including a first slot extending the length of the first uprightfence column from the inside wall toward the outside wall, the firstslot having grooves along either side, each groove adapted to receivedistal shoulders of an extension, the extension having a length and aheight extending from the inside wall through the length of the firstslot; a second upright fence column, formed of a single piece, thesecond upright fence column having a hollow cross-section, incorporatinga second slot extending the length of the second upright fence column,at least one cutout in the outside wall for at least one lock faceplatepositioned to insert a latch from a conventional lockset into a latchopening of a latch strike plate; a panel extending between the firstupright fence column and the second upright fence column, mountedbetween the first and second slot; and incorporating at least twoelongated sidewalls of sufficient width to accommodate a conventionallockset; a pair of opposed extensions, each running the length of thefirst and second slot, mounted within the first and second slot; a pairof horizontal clips, the pair of horizontal clips extending between thefirst upright fence column and second upright fence column, the pair ofhorizontal clips having a width sized to be received in the at least oneslot of the first and second upright fence columns, the horizontal cliphaving a U-shaped opening adapted to receive a panel; the panel fixedwithin the pair of opposed extensions and the pair of horizontal clips;a stationary upright fence column formed of a single piece, thestationary upright fence column having an inside wall sized to receive abase post and an outside wall around the inside wall and at least oneslot extending the length of the stationary upright fence column fromthe inside wall toward the outside wall, the at least one slot havinggrooves along either side, each groove adapted to receive distalshoulders of a latch strike plate; and the latch strike plate having alength and a height extending from the inside wall through the length ofthe slot, distal shoulders to engage the grooves, a latch openingpositioned to receive a latch from a conventional lockset, and a strikeextension extending the length of the latch strike plate for engagingthe outside wall of the second upright column when the gate is closed.